11 Comfort TV Shows to Have on While You Cook or Decorate

Looking for the perfect shows to keep you company while cooking or decorating? Whether you’re chopping vegetables, arranging furniture, or just need some background entertainment, certain TV shows offer the perfect mix of humor, comfort, and familiarity. These shows are light-hearted, easy to follow, and provide the kind of warmth that makes any task feel a little more enjoyable. From classic sitcoms to feel-good dramas, the right show can make your time at home even better. Keep reading to discover the best TV shows that will add a cozy touch to your day.

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Friends

Friends is a go-to comfort show for many because of its light-hearted humor and beloved characters. The episodes are filled with hilarious moments and memorable quotes, making it the perfect background companion while you’re busy in the kitchen or decorating your home. Even if you’ve seen the episodes countless times, something is soothing about hearing the familiar voices of Monica, Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe. Their dynamic and timeless humor creates a sense of nostalgia that never gets old.

The setting of the show, mainly revolving around the cozy Central Perk café and the group’s apartments, adds to its warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s easy to jump in at any point since the episodes aren’t overly complicated, and the characters’ personalities are so well-defined that you can follow along with minimal effort. The endless relatable moments between the characters make it easy to enjoy, whether you’re watching closely or just listening to the witty banter while you cook or redecorate.

The Office

The Office is another classic that strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart. This mockumentary-style show takes you inside the everyday life of employees at Dunder Mifflin, a mundane paper company with a very unconventional crew. The deadpan humor and awkward interactions create an atmosphere that feels like you’re watching real people with real problems, which is part of its charm. It’s the kind of show that you can watch while focusing on other tasks since you don’t need to follow every plot point to enjoy it.

The interactions between the characters, especially with Michael Scott’s eccentric leadership and Jim and Pam’s charming relationship, bring warmth to the workplace setting. It’s a light-hearted show that provides enough humor to keep you engaged while not requiring all of your attention. Whether it’s Dwight’s antics or the constant pranks on him by Jim, The Office is a perfect show to keep on as you work around the house. The episodes are short enough to allow you to make progress on your decorating or cooking without missing out on too much of the comedic genius.

Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation offers a similar vibe to The Office but with an even more optimistic tone. The quirky characters, especially the enthusiastic and relentlessly positive Leslie Knope, provide an uplifting backdrop as you go about your tasks. The show focuses on a small-town government department, but its charm comes from the lovable cast of characters who each bring something unique to the table. Their interactions and hilarious dynamics create a comforting atmosphere that’s easy to dip in and out of as you decorate your home.

Much like The Office, the mockumentary format of Parks and Recreation allows you to pop in and out of episodes, enjoying individual character moments or the overall feel-good tone. The cast’s lovable personalities and witty one-liners make it a great show to have in the background, as you don’t have to focus on every detail to appreciate the humor. Whether it’s Ron Swanson’s dry wit or the sweet, often misguided efforts of April Ludgate, there’s always something that will make you smile without demanding your full attention.

Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls brings the perfect blend of witty dialogue, heartfelt moments, and small-town charm. The fast-paced, snappy dialogue between Lorelai and Rory is one of the show’s defining features, making it an enjoyable watch without requiring too much focus. The episodes are filled with references to pop culture, quirky small-town antics, and the warm relationships between the characters, all of which make it ideal to have on while you’re cooking or decorating.

The beautiful setting of Stars Hollow, with its charming streets, quaint shops, and welcoming atmosphere, creates a perfect backdrop for those moments when you need something to set a peaceful mood while you work. The show’s cozy vibe, coupled with the heartwarming relationship between Lorelai and Rory, makes it the perfect background for when you want something familiar and comforting without needing to pay full attention to the plot. Whether you’re laughing at Kirk’s latest misadventure or enjoying the family dynamics at the dinner table, Gilmore Girls offers a relaxing viewing experience.

How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother is another beloved show known for its humor and heartwarming moments. Following the lives of Ted Mosby and his group of friends, this show offers a sense of familiarity and nostalgia with each episode. The show’s structure, where Ted narrates his life to his children in the future, provides a unique angle to the storytelling while keeping things light-hearted. The dynamic between Ted, Marshall, Lily, Robin, and Barney creates a comfortable viewing experience that feels like spending time with old friends.

The episodes are full of inside jokes, recurring themes, and familiar settings that make it easy to enjoy even while doing other tasks. Whether it’s Barney’s ridiculous antics or Marshall and Lily’s sweet relationship, How I Met Your Mother is filled with enough moments of joy to keep you smiling while you cook or decorate. The show’s light-hearted and positive energy will add to the comfort of your home, making it feel like you’re being surrounded by the love and laughter of your favorite TV friends.

The Great British Bake Off

If you love a show that is as relaxing as it is entertaining, The Great British Bake Off is perfect for having on in the background while you cook or decorate. This feel-good competition series brings together amateur bakers who compete in various baking challenges. The charm of the show lies not just in the incredible creations but in the warm and supportive atmosphere among the contestants, judges, and hosts. There’s something about the gentle pacing and non-confrontational nature of the show that makes it incredibly soothing.

The delightful British accents, the warm setting of the tent, and the camaraderie between the contestants make The Great British Bake Off feel like a hug in TV form. It’s the kind of show you can put on while preparing a meal or arranging your living space, as the stress-free environment and lack of intense drama allow you to focus on your tasks. Even if you’re not a baker yourself, you’ll find comfort in the shared joy of baking and the friendly competition that keeps things light and fun.

Schitt’s Creek

Schitt’s Creek is a modern comfort classic with a unique blend of quirky humor and heartfelt moments. The Rose family’s journey from wealth to living in a rundown motel in a small town offers the perfect backdrop for both laughs and emotional growth. The evolution of the characters, especially the relationships between David, Moira, and Johnny Rose, creates a heartwarming dynamic that makes it easy to tune in while you go about decorating or cooking.

The offbeat humor of the show, combined with its endearing characters, makes it a delightful watch that doesn’t require constant attention. You can enjoy the absurd situations the characters find themselves in, all while getting things done around the house. Whether it’s David’s hilarious one-liners or Moira’s dramatic flair, Schitt’s Creek brings a lighthearted energy that feels welcoming, perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere while you work on your home projects.

Frasier

Frasier brings a mix of sophisticated humor and charming family dynamics, making it a great choice for background entertainment. Following the life of psychiatrist Frasier Crane, the show offers sharp wit and hilarious situations, often revolving around Frasier’s interactions with his brother Niles, father Martin, and their quirky live-in caregiver Daphne. The setting of Frasier’s upscale apartment adds to the relaxed atmosphere, offering a sense of elegance without the need for intense focus.

The show’s clever dialogue and slapstick moments, paired with its lovable characters, create an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for working around the house. The humor is both intellectual and accessible, making it easy to enjoy while you’re multitasking. Whether it’s Frasier’s pompous tendencies or the hilarious sibling rivalry with Niles, Frasier is a show that brings lighthearted fun and sophisticated humor into your home, making it an ideal companion for cooking or decorating.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a fast-paced comedy that balances humor with heart, making it ideal for when you need a light-hearted break from your tasks. Set in the 99th precinct of the NYPD, the show follows Detective Jake Peralta and his eccentric colleagues as they solve crimes in a fun and quirky way. The lovable characters and hilarious dynamics between Jake, Amy, Rosa, and Captain Holt create a warm, funny atmosphere that’s easy to follow without needing to focus too deeply on the plot.

The show’s clever jokes, clever wordplay, and running gags make it a comforting background choice while cooking or decorating. Whether it’s Jake’s antics or Captain Holt’s deadpan humor, there’s always something to make you laugh. Brooklyn Nine-Nine doesn’t rely on heavy drama, so you can enjoy it without getting too caught up in any emotional twists, making it a great companion for any type of home task.

The Simpsons

As one of the longest-running animated sitcoms in history, The Simpsons has a special place in the comfort TV category. With its iconic characters and timeless humor, the show provides a perfect mix of clever satire and heartwarming moments. The Simpsons family, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, each bring their own brand of humor and charm to every episode, making it easy to jump in at any point. Whether you’re looking for a quick laugh or a feel-good moment, The Simpsons has it all.

The show’s animated format allows you to tune in without worrying about missing key plot details. You can enjoy the funny antics of the Simpson family while you work on your home projects, whether it’s Homer’s bumbling attempts at success or Bart’s mischievous pranks. The mix of humor, cultural references, and warm family moments makes it an ideal background show for when you’re busy with cooking or redecorating.

Modern Family

Modern Family provides a humorous and heartfelt look at family dynamics, focusing on the lives of three interconnected families. The show features a variety of comedic situations, from the over-the-top antics of the Pritchetts to the sweet and often hilarious moments of the Dunphys. The show’s mockumentary-style format gives you a glimpse into the everyday lives of these families as they navigate the ups and downs of parenting, marriage, and sibling relationships.

The show’s light-hearted humor, witty one-liners, and relatable family moments make it a comforting choice for when you’re busy with home tasks. Whether it’s Claire’s strict yet loving parenting or Phil’s goofy but endearing nature, there’s always something fun to enjoy. With its easy-to-follow episodes and diverse characters, Modern Family offers a warm, enjoyable backdrop that keeps things light without demanding your full attention.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.